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Puppy Kindergarten

The earlier you start training, the easier it will be! Learn how to handle the most urgent puppy training issues, including safe socialization with people, puppy biting, house training, and chewing - all of which should be addressed during your puppy's first three months of life.

For puppies starting between 8-11 weeks old. This class is $125 for 4 sessions total. Each session is approximately 50 minutes.

[D] Safe Socialization: Socialization to People, Introducing New Environments, Calm and Confident Attitude, How to Throw a Puppy Party

Learn how to toilet train, chew toy train and safely socialize your pup with people; address puppy biting, whining and crying; prepare your puppy for handling by veterinarians and groomers and prevent household behavior problems such as house soiling, destructive chewing, and chewing.

Puppy Kindergarten is a SIRIUS innovation. It is a set of four classes designed to ensure that you receive urgent training at the earliest possible time. There are three elements of puppy training that must be addressed in a puppy’s first three months of life:

1) Puppies must be thoroughly, yet safely, socialized to people so that later in life, they do not become wary or fearful of children, strangers, or men.

2) Puppies must learn to be gentle with their mouths so they do not inflict serious injury on people or animals as their jaws grow substantially stronger.

3) Puppies must learn how to live in a human home so they do not damage your belongings or suffer from separation anxiety.

Though not as urgent as the above items, puppies will be introduced to basic manners and obedience commands as well.

WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS:

Proof of vaccination is required at the first class. Proof of vaccine(s) on paper is preferred. For Puppy Kindergarten we require the first DHLPP or DHPP vaccine (specifically Distemper and Parvo) prior to first session.

Have your puppy wear a flat, buckle/snap collar – no harnesses or training collars that tighten. Please have your pup on a 6’ leash. “Flexi” leashes are not appropriate for class.

Don’t feed your puppy right before class. Instead, bring their kibble to class in a ziploc bag for use as lures and rewards while training. Also bring a few extra-tasty treats to reward your pup for their best performances. Make sure your treats are in small, bite-sized pieces that won’t fill your pup up or take long for them to eat.

We also recommend bringing a small water bowl for personal use.

The Complete Puppy Course:

This class can be taken with Puppy 1 and Puppy 2 to form a comprehensive course consisting of fourteen sessions that will guide your pup through puppyhood and into the challenging world of adolescence. Save money by registering for these classes together. Learn More

REQUIREMENTS:

Handlers: We require at least one adult per enrolled puppy. We encourage the whole family attend the class together but if children are three years or younger, a second adult must be present.

Pups must be carried into class: As a reminder, young puppies are not fully vaccinated yet. Therefore, as a precaution, we ask that you carry your puppy to class in your arms or in a carrier and avoid walking through parks or on public walkways. We ask that you DO NOT allow your puppies to greet other pups or dogs, fellow students or otherwise, outside of the classroom. This is the protocol for all Puppy Kindergarten classes.

Requirements:

Age: On the start date of the class, pups must be between 8 weeks and 11 weeks old (i.e., 56-83 days).

If your dog is older than 11 weeks old, but still between 12-18 weeks old, Puppy Training I is the age-appropriate class to start with.
If your pup is older than 18 weeks old, Basic Household Manners is the age-appropriate class to start with.

Vaccine: First DHLPP or DHPP vaccine prior to first session.

Length:

This class is $125 for 4 sessions total. Each session is approximately 50 minutes long. You may start the 4 sessions with any Module. For example, if the soonest option is Module C, you can take the class is the sequence of C, D, A, and then B.